For more than 50 years, NISC has worked to develop technology solutions for our customers, who we call our “Members”. Those Members are comprised primarily of 900+ utility and broadband companies across the country and abroad, and we strive to provide services and technology to help them operate efficiently and better serve their end users. Our Members have over 16 million end customers (residential and businesses who receive power, internet, television and/or telephone services) that our enterprise software solution enables our Members to compete effectively in the industry, while excelling in customer service.
Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Vendor/Partner Manager to join our dynamic software product management team. In this role, you will be responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with third-party vendors and partners who integrate with our software products. You will serve as the primary point of contact for these partners, ensuring smooth communication, collaboration, and alignment of goals to drive mutual success. The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, a strong understanding of software product management principles, and a proven track record of effectively managing vendor relationships in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Duties:
Vendor/Partner Relationship Management:
- Develop and nurture strong relationships with third-party vendors and partners.
- Serve as the main point of contact for vendor inquiries, escalations, and issue resolution.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of partner activities with product roadmap and business objectives.
- Conduct regular meetings and check-ins with vendors to review performance metrics, address concerns, and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Main contact for Sales and Account Management teams regarding existing vendor relationships and current integrations.
Contract Negotiation and Management:
- Work closely with legal and procurement teams to negotiate and finalize vendor agreements, including service level agreements (SLAs), pricing terms, and partnership terms.
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and monitor vendor performance against agreed-upon metrics.
- Proactively identify opportunities to optimize contract terms and negotiate renewals or modifications as needed.
Product Integration and Launch:
- Coordinate with vendors to facilitate the integration of their solutions with our software products.
- Manage the onboarding process for new partners, including technical integration requirements, testing procedures, and documentation.
- Collaborate with product management teams to prioritize and schedule integration-related tasks and deliverables.
- Oversee the launch of integrated features or services, ensuring smooth rollout and effective communication to internal stakeholders and customers.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the success of vendor partnerships.
- Monitor vendor performance against established benchmarks and SLAs, identifying areas for improvement or optimization.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations summarizing vendor performance, progress on integration initiatives, and recommendations for action.
- Market Research and Vendor Evaluation.
- Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor offerings related to vendor partnerships and integrations.
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential new partners and evaluate their suitability for collaboration.
- Participate in vendor selection processes, including vendor screening, due diligence, and evaluation of proposals.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Preferred:
- 5+ years of experience in software product management, vendor management, or partnership management roles.
- Proven track record of successfully managing relationships with third-party vendors and partners.
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in project management tools, CRM systems, and collaboration platforms.
- Familiarity with software integration concepts, APIs, and technical documentation.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, including product development, engineering, marketing, and sales.
Education Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Computer Science, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
Minimum Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential functions of this position, employees must be able to see and communicate. Employees are regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move, and operate computer keyboards or office equipment.
Disclaimer:
Management may modify this job description by assigning or reassigning duties and responsibilities at any time.
